Inside Newdegate Cave in Tasmania’s Far South

The Hastings Caves State Reserve is located around an hour and a half’s drive south of Hobart, beyond the township of Dover. The reserve forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and offers a range of experiences, including bushwalks, swimming in the nearby thermal pool and access to the stunning Newdegate Cave.

Inside Newdegate Cave at Hastings in Tasmania's far south
Inside Newdegate Cave at Hastings in Tasmania’s far south

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Newdegate Cave as part of an Instameet (thanks Hobart and Beyond) with a group of other keen photographers. We were given permission to take tripods into the caves to facilitate our photography (most visitors are not allowed to do so for safety reasons). 

I’ve not had a huge amount of practice in low-light photography, but this was too good a chance to let pass, so I set up my sticks, grappled with my camera’ manual settings, upped the ISO and went for it. Here are some of the results.

Inside Newdegate Cave at Hastings in Tasmania’s far south
Inside Newdegate Cave in Tasmania’s Far South
The towers on the right are known as The Elephants

A short nature walk leads visitors from the carpark through shady cool rainforest to the cave, where a range of uniquely Tasmanian flora (and occasionally fauna) can be seen.

Dicksonia antarctica, or man-fern, a common sight in the cool, damp forests of Tasmania
Tasmanian laurel, anopterus glandulosus

On a day trip, visiting the Hastings Caves State Reserve can be combined with other local activities such as visiting Southport, an attractive beach and hamlet or the Ida Bay Railway, a short drive from the Caves.

Staying in the area opens up the opprtunity to visit other attractions in the region such as the Tahune Airwalk or Cockle Creek.

Visit the local Far South Tourism Association website for more information

Further reading

Map